6-time jetski world champion Anton Ignacio driven to conquer more waters

MANILA — Already a six-time world champion in jetskiing at only 20 years old, Anton Ignacio remains hungry and motivated.

Ignacio won two gold medals at the 2026 International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA) World Finals held in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, United States earlier this month. 

The 20-year-old ruled the Expert Runabout 1100 Superstock and Runabout Naturally Aspirated events to up his world title count to six overall. 

But Ignacio, who is also a silver medalist in the Southeast Asian Games, is still looking forward to competing and conquering the waters. 

“I thought it [winning more world titles] was possible because I mean, I put in the work. But I told myself that even though I practice, I should put even more effort and hard work to keep succeeding in my sport,” Ignacio told ABS-CBN News in an interview on Thursday. 

“I really enjoy the feeling of making people proud, especially in my country. That’s what really pushes me. Aside from the trophies, of course and everything, it’s making everyone around me proud. So that’s what keeps me going,” he added. 

The young jetski champion also took home bronze in the Pro-Am Runabout 1100 Open event. 

Despite the extreme heat and weather conditions during the competition, Ignacio said he felt good entering the first two events where he ended up winning gold. 

“In the first two categories, I was more confident. And those were the ones where I felt like I really had a chance because the boat was good and I was still fresh. Those were like the few races where I started racing. So I wasn’t tired yet,” the 20-year-old explained. 

“This one was tough because they put it [the competition] back in the World Series. So all the competitors around the world were there. Unlike last year, where there were only Americans and people around the area. Everyone was there, so it was very hard and difficult,” he added.  

After making waves on the international stage, Ignacio hopes his achievements help grow the sport in the country. 

In the recent competition, fellow Filipino jetski racers Marco Luis Tengson and Sydney Sarmiento won silver and bronze respectively, showing the potential of the country. 

“I feel like it inspires a lot of kids to do their own sports and keep going. And I hope that the sport becomes bigger so our government can also notice us and support us when we go out of the country and that,” Ignacio said.

“It feels good [to see them achieve] because those guys were the people I were with every week, and we all practiced together. So I’m happy that they were able to get something also and bring it home for our country,” he added. 

As one of the more veteran jetski racers, Ignacio makes sure he helps out his fellow athletes in any way he can. 

“I just remind them that, you know. Stay focused and you don’t have to worry about anything. If you’re worried about them, they’re also as worried about you, also. So don’t think about it and just do your thing,” he shared. 

“I feel like I have the role to lead. My teammates and give them my knowledge because I’ve been racing for a long time. So, as much as possible, I try to do that and support them in all the races,” the 20-year-old said. 

Up next for Ignacio is the 2026 WGP#1 Waterjet World Cup or King’s Cup in Pattaya, Thailand from January 13 to 17, 2027.